PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Even at 44 years old, my sentimental heart still melts over a soft, squishy, well-loved teddy bear. Many of us have very fond memories of a favorite bear. I have several because I loved stuffed animals as a kid. But my very favorite bear, Theodore Edward, scruffy from years of love, is enjoying his retirement years in my guest room.
I’ve got teddy bears on the brain this morning because one of my clients just finished a teddy bear drive. They collected bears for first responders to give to children in crisis. It was a wonderful project with a great purpose and they surpassed their goal of 500 bears!
Whether you’ve experienced a trauma or not, we’ve all hurt. We’ve all cried. And somehow, having a stuffed bear to hold onto and cry into seems to help. It’s a wonderful balm to a hurting heart. But despite the comfort that a stuffed bear offers, it is, unfortunately, a temporary fix.
The ultimate source of comfort is not of this world. Psalm 46:1-3 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” (ESV).
Even as adults, we sometimes want a teddy bear to hold on to, but even more important is to hold on to our Heavenly Father. He is the One who will get us through life’s valleys… the One who will walk with us in the darkest places… the One who will comfort us and give us peace in all of life’s storms.
Hold your favorite bear close, but hold your Father closer. Trust in the One who walks on water… the One who calms the storms… and the One who conquered death. Lean on Him in all circumstances.
Today, as you pray, thank God for the comfort He offers and thank Him for being with us. Thank Jesus for keeping His promise in Matthew 28:20b, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (ESV). Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you that the only lasting comfort will come from above… even as you hold your favorite teddy bear a little closer, ask the Holy Spirit to flood your heart with His peace.
